problem: 424 Tape Speed

[Knobby]

My Tascam cassette 424 is getting old, and now it is REALLY showing its age. The tape is going at warp speed, making it impossible to listen to and sync. Is this a motor issue or a belt issuen and what can I do to fix it. there's a lot of 4-track analaog stuff I want to port to Cubase. thanks in advance

 

[A Reel Person]

It's more than likely the belt. Tascam will sell you a new belt. Parts are inexpensive. Replace the belt, and that should fix the warp speed problem.

 

[Hard2Hear]

I hate to do this, but I have to ask...
Is the "high speed" button on? If not, do you think it may be stuck? Maybe it has a bad switch there. Just something to check.
-H2H

 

[A Reel Person]

My experience says: it's the belt.

Reason: as a belt ages, it stretches. As it stretches, technically, there's more linear distance (circumference) per loop, and therefore, it drives the capstan faster than normal. Per each complete revolution of the belt, there's more overall curcumference. Trust me on this one.

Reason2: I've had this exact problem on my Portastudio, and replacing the belt fixed it.

Eventually, left alone, the belt might snap or stretch so much that it just falls off.

Tascam will sell you the belt, which is not expensive, and to get access to the cassette mechanism, the bottom cover must be removed. It's not 'too' hard, and definitely not brain surgery.